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The playlet is set on a darkened stage. The customary reflectors on the orchestra racks are employed as blinders, throwing a dull glare into the auditorium while causing the darkness on the stage to be vividly black. The actors are set in concentrated light so that only the head and bust can be seen. From the opening of the sketch, the house is dimmed into inky darkness and the sudden bright light attracts interest at one. The curiosity is intensified when the shadings of the lights brings adifferent color or combination of colors. The witness stand is about 2 ft by 3 ft deep. The light above the stand is the only one on stage, and it goes out when each witness is dismissed.
From within the darkness three male voices emerge.
"Into the Light" is a dramatic protean playlet written by Frank Lyman. The courtroom scene has a judge, prosecuting attorney and a lawyer for the defense. A woman is on trial for murder and witnesses are called in. Miss Parry makes her several changes so rapidly that the waits are but momentary, and easily covered up by dialogue. She does several characterizations including a colored woman in which she changes into "black face." “The testimony finished, the attorneys sum up and the judge delivers a short charge, when tie foreman of the jury states that that body has reached a verdict without leaving their seats. The verdict is "Guilty!" With a shriek the Italian woman, who has just finished a strong pathetic appeal, sinks out of view, when the stage is swiftly converted into the full light, and a surprise finish brings the audience back to a sensible appreciation of the excellent playing that marks the ending, also a pleasant finale.”
The mystification of, where the light comes from becomes the all-absorbing problem. That is the distinct novelty. Contrary to established precedents of the stage, it is a "dark act" that grips
and holds. “The surprise of the finish is a big mark towards the natural success of the playlet, which could be held up by its novelty alone. Never before has a single light been utilized on the vaudeville stage in this manner, nor has Miss Parry previously received a fuller opportunity to display versatile powers, nor the brief moment of emotionalism at the ending, which she very capably takes hold of. "Into the Light" is an important act in more than one way. It should create talk, and properly billed, the piece might become a big drawing attraction.”
Source:
Variety 21:9 (02/04/1911)